Boxer is taken to the glue factory after hurting himself working on the windmill. Boxer knows that something is wrong with his lungs and that his strength has completely left him.

The pigs tell the other animals that he is being taken to the hospital to be treated, but Benjamin reads the side of the van and tells the truth. Of course, Squealer is able to persuade the animals otherwise after Boxer is gone.

Boxer's death is a huge blow to the animals for many reasons. He was by far the hardest worker on the farm, especially on the windmill. He was a source of strength for the other animals as rations were reduced and they started to be constantly hungry. Benjamin and Clover in particular missed his company. Napoleon also loses one of the few animals that blindly followed his lead without asking questions.